Life in the Minors - Chapter 5: Music in the Minors

WFUV Sports finds out what songs the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees use when they're coming to the plate and why.

Minor League Baseball: How does it differ from the majors? For the eleventh consecutive year, WFUV goes behind the scenes with the Brooklyn Cyclones and Staten Island Yankees In the Short Season Single-A NY-Penn League, it's long bus rides, low pay, and 76 games in 80 days. This is our look at Life in the Minors: How the Other Half Lives.

Kevin Sutcliffe, Staten Island Yankees Beat Reporter

A lot can be learned about a person based on their favorite types of music. When the Staten Island Yankees explained their music of choice, I was able to uncover their individual character and personality.

For example, Catcher Nick McCoy enjoys coming to the plate to Kings of Leon or some type of easy listening. From this, it is understood that Nick wants to be relaxed at the plate.

However, outfielder Mason Williams would much rather come to the plate to some Wiz Khalifa, who is known for producing loud, fast-paced music. It appears that Mason Williams wants to get pumped up before his at bat.

Relief Pitcher Zach Arneson has a similar strategy when it comes to pre-game music. Zach wants to get hyped to a song that is famous for sending shivers down opponent’s spines in the Bronx: Metallica’s Enter Sandman.

When asked about their favorite type of music, answers ranged from Country to Rap. As it turns out, this clubhouse is filled with many diverse personalities. No matter how different the players are, they all have one goal in mind, to make it to the big leagues.

Matt Sinise, Brooklyn Cyclones Beat Reporter

Music acts as a common thread between all people, no matter its type or purpose; it influences everyone on a daily basis in one way or another. This is especially true in the life of a professional baseball player. From pre-game music in the locker room to walk-up songs during the game, these players are surrounded by music from the time they arrive at the ballpark until they leave.

The most popular choice in the Brooklyn locker room was country. Shortstop Danny Muno is a big country fan, saying he would like to hear Tim McGraw or Toby Keith play as he steps up to the plate.

Meanwhile, second baseman JB Brown is one of a few players who prefer hip-hop or rap when walking up to the plate. Brown likes tracks by Wiz Khalifa or Lupe Fiasco to motivate him for his AB.

Brooklyn outfielder Chase Greene wants to hear some more relaxing melodies from his favorite reggae artists on his stroll to the batter’s box.

There is clearly a wide variety of musical taste among the players, but I am sure they would all agree that music plays an important role in their day-to-day lives as ballplayers.